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Pros
- Large screen size for enhanced productivity.
- Good graphics card for 3D-intensive apps.
- Extensive warranty.
- Performance scores topped the Lenovo T60 Widescreen's.
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Cons
- Pointing stick is not as good as a ThinkPad's—it requires one too many mouse clicks.
HP Compaq nc8430 Specs
| Graphics Memory | 256 |
| Graphics Processor | AMD Mobility Radeon X1600 |
| Operating System | MS Windows XP Professional |
| Optical Drive | DVD+R DL |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 |
| Processor Speed | 2 |
| RAM (as Tested) | 1 |
| Screen Size | 15.4 |
| Weight | 6.2 |
| Wireless Networking | 802.11a/g |
The HP Compaq nc8430 ($1,680 direct) has a lot of stature for a business laptop. When it comes to meeting work deadlines and taking on various projects, this powerhouse lives up to its reputation. The 15.4-inch widescreen display is a compelling reason to go with the nc8430. It lets you have three windows open at the same time (arranged so that each gets its own space) or gain several more columns on an Excel worksheet. If that isn't enough to meet your business requirements, then check out the system's Intel Core 2 Duo processor and discrete graphics.
The Compaq nc8430 isn't as much of a space hog as a desktop, but it does give you plenty of screen space for a machine that weighs just 6.2 pounds. Granted, it's not as light as the 5.8-pound
The nc843 is extremely well made. The magnesium-alloy frame gives it a smooth yet sturdy appearance, and the palm rests are laminated to prevent scratching. Next to the palm rests you'll find a biometric fingerprint reader that's tied to the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). The TPM chip safely stores password and encrypted keys on a hardware level to prevent unauthorized access. If that doesn't cut it, a Smart Card reader is also available for authentication purposes. Getting your peripherals attached won't be a problem with the three USB ports. Unlike the T60 Widescreen, the nc8430 also has a FireWire port and an SD card slot, ideal for media purposes. Along for the ride are a dual-layer DVD burner and a fast-spinning (7,200 rpm) 100GB hard drive.
Although the keyboard is full-size, it's not as comfortable as the T60 Widescreen's. The nc8430 has both a pointing stick and a touchpad. The pointing stick is hard to maneuver and not as responsive as the one on a ThinkPad. I recommend using the touchpad exclusively. The rubber mouse buttons make clicking through Web pages quiet and enjoyable, but I found three mouse buttons a bit much for a laptop. The middle mouse button, used for scrolling, is approximately the same size as the other two buttons, creating a considerable amount of separation between the left and right click buttons. It takes a little time to get used to.
On performance, the HP nc8430 has a slight edge over the Lenovo T60 Widescreen. For one thing, its hard drive is faster than the 5,400-rpm one on the T60 Widescreen. (Lenovo does let you configure a system with a 7,200-rpm drive, so that's not a real issue—except that you have to pay extra for the upgrade) The ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics card on the nc8430 is a step above the X1400 on the T60 Widescreen. Both have the same Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 processor and 1GB of RAM. The slight differences, however, did give the nc8430 better SYSmark 2004 SE scores. Our battery-life test was another story. Despite having a bigger battery (69 Wh, compared with the T60 Widescreen's 56 Wh), the HP nc8430's score of 3 hours 45 minutes could not beat the T60 Widescreen's 4:08. In addition, Lenovo offers an extended battery option (84 Wh), which will propel battery life to 6:12, according to MobileMark scores.
HP offers a solid warranty package. The nc8430 is covered for three years for parts and labor, and you get on-site coverage on the next business day. You also have worldwide coverage, but it's limited, so consult HP if you anticipate traveling with your laptop. For an additional $40, you can opt for three years of accident coverage—if you spill water in the keyboard or run over your laptop with your car, HP will cover the damages even though it's your fault.
Working long hours is tough, and there are only a few laptops out there that will complement your work habits. The HP Compaq nc8430 offers all the tools to maximize your productivity, including a big screen, powerful components, and security features. Only the Lenovo ThinkPad T60 Widescreen shares this combination of features and performance, and it does so in a lighter package.
See how the HP Compaq nc8430 measures up to similar systems in our side-by-side
Benchmark Test Results
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